Hot Topic: Take Control. Take the Test.
June 27th is National HIV Testing Day, an annual event highlighting the need for HIV testing and counseling. “Take control. Take the test,” is this year’s nation-wide message. There will be several opportunities in our area for free testing on that day.
Getting tested for HIV really does give you control. If you don’t have the virus, you can take control by learning what puts you at risk, and avoiding those risks. Or if you are infected, you can take control by being actively involved in your treatment.
HIV is the common name for the human immunodeficiency virus, which if untreated, makes it hard for the body to fight certain infections and cancers. HIV can progress into AIDS, or acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, which leaves people even more susceptible to life-threatening diseases. HIV is most commonly spread through unprotected sex or sharing drug needles with an infected person.
More than 1600 people have been diagnosed with AIDS in the Coastal Health District, which encompasses 8 counties along the coast of Georgia. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that as many as 280,000 people nationwide are HIV-positive but are unaware of their status.
Free HIV Tests will be given at the following locations on June 27th:
Bryan County:
The Bryan County Health Department clinics
430 Ledford Street in Pembroke
9665 Ford Avenue in Richmond Hill
Camden County:
The Camden County Health Department clinics
600 North Charles Gillman Jr. Avenue in Kingsland
905 Dilworth Street in St. Marys
Chatham County:
The Chatham County Health Department clinics
1395 Eisenhower Drive
1602 Drayton Street
Phoenix Center at 525 East 34th Street
My Brothaz H.O.M.E., Inc. at 2111 Price Street
Savannah State University, Harris-McDew Health Center
Effingham County:
The Effingham County Health Department
802 Highway 119 South in Springfield
Glynn County:
The Celebrity Status Barber Shop from 11 am until 2 pm
Liberty County:
The Liberty County Health Department
1183 W. Bultman Ave. in Hinesville
Highway 119, at the Head Start Center in Riceboro
Long County:
The Long County Health Department
57 N. Macon Street in Ludowici
WWW Address: http://www.gachd.org/hot-topic/take_control_take_the_test.php